2013 Top 15 boys lacrosse preseason poll

Outlook: Despite graduating 21 players, including a number of key members from last year's title team, the Cardinals still have quality talent at every position. They also have something no other team has: Stephen Kelly. The All-Metro first-team midfielder is the area's best all-around player.

2. Boys' Latin

Coach: Bob Shriver

Last season: 14-7, No. 3

Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: The Lakers can make a strong argument for being No. 1 with impressive numbers to support it. They have seven of their eight top scorers back from last year — led by do-it-all attackman Shack Stanwick and All-Metro first-team defenseman Mac Pons.

3. Gilman

Coach: Brooks Matthews

Last season: 12-4, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: Scoring goals won't be an issue for the Greyhounds, who have a deep and talented attack led by Max Greene. How well their inexperienced defense comes together may determine how far Gilman can go in the MIAA.

4. McDonogh

Coach: Andy Hilgartner

Last season: 9-8, No. 5

Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: Last season, the young Eagles learned as the season progressed and earned a playoff spot. With most of the group returning, they will look to be a prime contender in the MIAA. The midfield returns five of its top six players, led by All-Metro senior Austin Frederick.

Outlook: Reloading or rebuilding? With only two starters back, the Dons have plenty to replace and will play one of the area's toughest schedules to answer the question. Attackman Devin McNamara and midfielder Ryan Conrad lead the team.

6. St. Paul's

Coach: Rick Brocato

Last season: 3-15, unranked

Postseason: None

Outlook: After hitting rock bottom last year, the Crusaders have plenty to prove as they try to return to form. The team's strength is on defense, and a big plus comes on attack with the addition of Mikey Wynne, a gifted junior who transferred from Glenelg.

7. St. Mary's

Coach: Ben Rubeor

Last season: 10-7, No. 10

Postseason: None

Outlook: Former Loyola Blakefield and Virginia standout Rubeor takes over a veteran group. The Saints return seven starters — led by goalie Skylar Morse — and 22 varsity players from last year. Rubeor said the focus is on hard work, mental toughness and playing together.

Outlook: The positive beat goes on for Hereford, which has displayed unmatched excellence among the state's public schools. The Bulls set a new state mark with their fifth consecutive title last season, and they're the favorite to win an unprecedented ninth crown.

9. Severn

Coach: Brian Wood

Last season: 15-7, No. 6

Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: A solid mix of talented returnees and promising newcomers makes the Admirals a formidable foe in the MIAA A Conference. Midfield is the team's strength, with senior Brett Bedard leading the unit. A young defense will look to jell quickly.

10. South River

Coach: Paul Noone

Last season: 20-0, No. 8

Postseason: Class 4A-3A state champion

Outlook: Coming off the program's first perfect season and second state crown since 2009, what can South River do for an encore? With All-Metro attackman Ben Chisolm and plenty of surrounding talent, the Seahawks are capable of nearing last season's lofty standard.

11. Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Kenneth "Bear" Davis

Last season: 6-10, No. 14

Postseason: None

Outlook: Davis, in his second season, continues to establish the team's own identity as he wants the Cavaliers to focus on themselves rather than their tough opponents. With 19 players returning — 12 that started at some point last season — expect steady strides.

12. Glenelg

Coach: Josh Hatmaker

Last season: 17-3, No. 9

Postseason: Class 3A-2A state runner-up

Outlook: With an experienced squad, the Gladiators should once again reign in Howard County, but they must find a way to end Hereford's five-year run as state champions. All-Metro attackman Nick Wynne graduated, and his younger brother, Mikey, transferred to St. Paul's.

13. Mount St. Joseph

Coach: David Slafkosky

Last season: 12-8, No. 12

Postseason: None

Outlook: The Gaels may not be ready to consistently win in the MIAA A Conference yet, but a promising sophomore class has them headed in the right direction. For now, the young team will lean on senior attackman Mike LeClair and junior midfielder Clay Kirby.

14. Winters Mill

Coach: Jesse Metruk

Last season: 16-2, No. 11

Postseason: Class 3A-2A state semifinalist

Outlook: Are the pieces in place for Winters Mill to chase down five-time defending state champion Hereford? With a strong group of seniors, led by long-pole midfielder Teddy Chase, the Falcons believe they have the experience, talent and desire to find a way.

15. Bel Air

Coach: Scoop Kelly

Last season: 11-6, unranked

Postseason: Class 4A-3A state semifinalist

Outlook: After taking eventual state champion South River to a second overtime in last year's state semifinal, the Bobcats know just how close they are. With seven starters returning, they are focused on making the most of a promising opportunity.